US5333327A - Apparatus for opening and closing a drain - Google Patents

Apparatus for opening and closing a drain Download PDF

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Publication number
US5333327A
US5333327A US08/018,651 US1865193A US5333327A US 5333327 A US5333327 A US 5333327A US 1865193 A US1865193 A US 1865193A US 5333327 A US5333327 A US 5333327A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
passageway
bend
sleeve
drain
drive member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US08/018,651
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English (en)
Inventor
John C. Redding
Douglas J. Brouwer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kohler Co
Original Assignee
Kohler Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kohler Co filed Critical Kohler Co
Priority to US08/018,651 priority Critical patent/US5333327A/en
Assigned to KOHLER CO. reassignment KOHLER CO. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: BROUWER, DOUGLAS J., REDDING, JOHN C.
Priority to CA002115784A priority patent/CA2115784C/en
Priority to MX9401230A priority patent/MX9401230A/es
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5333327A publication Critical patent/US5333327A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
    • E03C1/22—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks
    • E03C1/23—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms
    • E03C1/2302—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms the actuation force being transmitted to the plug via rigid elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
    • E03C1/22—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks
    • E03C1/23—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20396—Hand operated
    • Y10T74/20402—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable]
    • Y10T74/2042—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable] and hand operator
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20396—Hand operated
    • Y10T74/20402—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable]
    • Y10T74/2042—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable] and hand operator
    • Y10T74/20426—Slidable
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20396—Hand operated
    • Y10T74/20402—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable]
    • Y10T74/20444—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable] including rolling antifriction elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to mechanisms for remotely opening and closing the drain of a basin, such as a sink, lavatory or bathtub.
  • Faucets are commonly provided with straight vertical rods which link a pull-up knob with a linkage member connected to the drain plug at the bottom of the sink or tub. If the rod is adjacent the faucet, it uses space in the faucet mounting hole, the size of which is often limited. If the vertical rod passes through the faucet itself, it complicates faucet design. Tilting a straight rod off the vertical may offer some relief from these problems, but introduces other problems, including making it more difficult to design an effective linkage member which will be able to produce the desired motion of the drain plug.
  • the invention provides an improved apparatus for remotely opening and closing a drain by mechanically transmitting motion from a drive member operated by the user (or an automated system) to a linkage member connected to the drain plug.
  • the drive member and the drain linkage member extend into the ends of a passageway which has a bend in it.
  • a flexible rod is positioned in the passageway and links the drive member with the drain linkage member. In a region positioned in the bend, the rod has a smaller cross-section than in a region positioned in the passageway between the narrower region and the drain linkage member. Accordingly, an enlarged void (passageway space not occupied by the flexible rod) is formed in the passageway at the bend.
  • the invention provides an improved apparatus for opening and closing a drain. It does so by mechanically transmitting motion from a drive member positioned adjacent one end of a passageway to a drain linkage member positioned adjacent another end of the passageway.
  • the apparatus is of the type wherein the passageway has a bend in it.
  • the improvement comprises a flexible rod positioned in the passageway and linked at one end to the drive member and at another end to the drain linkage member.
  • the rod has a first region which is positioned proximate to the bend and a second region having a larger cross-sectional area than the first that is positioned in the passageway between the first region and the drain linkage member. An enlarged void is thereby formed between the rod and the passageway at the bend.
  • the invention provides a protective sleeve in the passageway into which a portion of the drive member extends.
  • the sleeve may be made of a relatively non-abrasive material to protect the finish of the drive member, which may be visible to users.
  • the sleeve also guides the flexible rod within the passageway and may be truncated to facilitate that function and reduce friction.
  • the invention provides an imposed apparatus for opening and closing a drain. It does so by mechanically transmitting motion from a drive member positioned adjacent one end of a passageway to a drain linkage member positioned adjacent another end of the passageway.
  • the apparatus is of the type wherein the passageway has a bend in it.
  • the improvement comprises a flexible rod positioned in the passageway and linked at one end to the drive member and at another end to the drain linkage member. The rod and an interior surface of the passageway are configured so as to create an enlarged void between them at the bend.
  • the invention provides an improved apparatus for opening and closing a drain, does so by mechanically transmitting motion from a drive member positioned adjacent one end of a passageway to a drain linkage member positioned adjacent another end of the passageway.
  • the apparatus is of the type wherein the passageway has a bend in it.
  • the improvement comprises a flexible rod positioned in the passageway and linked at one end to the drive member and at another end to the drain linkage member.
  • the rod is transverse cross-sectionally configured so as to create on it a first longitudinal surface portion which slidably abuts a first longitudinal portion of the passageway and a second longitudinal surface portion which is spaced apart from a second longitudinal portion of the passageway.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, of an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view the embodiment of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view focusing on a sleeve
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a flexible rod of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a tube for housing the flexible rod and an associated mounting system
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a second embodiment of the flexible rod
  • FIG. 8 is a third embodiment of the flexible rod.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 9--9 of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 1 shows a remote drain operating apparatus 10 included as part of a faucet 12 mounted on a sink 14.
  • Sink 14 has the usual drain hole (not shown) which is opened and closed by a conventional drain plug (not shown) which is raised and lowered by lever-end 16.
  • a conventional drain plug (not shown) which is raised and lowered by lever-end 16.
  • Downward movement of lever-end 16 raises the drain plug and opens the drain.
  • Upward movement of lever-end 16 lowers the drain plug and closes the drain.
  • Lever-end 16 is connected to a vertical drain linkage member 18 by conventional connecting rod 20.
  • a drive member 22 supports a pull-up knob 24 at one end, and its other end extends into a cylindrical tube 26 which has an upper, linear, non-vertical portion 28 which transitions downward to a lower, linear, vertical portion 30 via bend 32.
  • Tube 26 therefore defines a non-linear passageway.
  • drive member 22 is linked via tube 26 to drain-linkage member 18, whose upper end extends into the bottom of the vertical portion 30 of tube 32.
  • Flexible rod 34 which is shown enlarged in FIG. 4, is an elongated cylinder having male threaded ends 36, 38. Adjacent one threaded end 38, flexible rod 34 enlarges into a convex, bulbous portion 40 which, at its widest circumference, is in slidable contact with the interior of tube 26.
  • the cross-sectional area of the balance of flexible rod 34 is smaller than the interior cross-section of tube 26, thereby producing an enlarged void 42 of space within tube 26 (including bend 32) which is not occupied by flexible rod 34.
  • Flexible rod 34 may be made by injection 25 molding from a flexible but tough nylon with high abrasion resistance, such as nylon 1,000L.
  • a sleeve 44 (best shown in enlarged cross-section in FIG. 3) may be used in the apparatus 10.
  • Sleeve 44 is a hollow cylindrical tube which has an external guide peg 46 and a truncated inward end 48.
  • Sleeve 44 may be made by injection molding from an acetal copolymer having high lubricity, such as celcon M90.
  • Sleeve 44 is inserted into the upper end of the non-vertical portion 28 of tube 26.
  • the longer portion of truncated end 48 is immediately adjacent to the inside curve of bend 32.
  • the slot preferably runs on a bottom wall of tube 26 from the inlet to at least the position of the peg 46.
  • the longer portion of truncated end 48 serves as a smooth sliding surface for the drive member 22 and for the rod 34 as it approaches the inside curve of bend 32, so as to minimize abrasive scars on the drive member 22, while the shorter portion of truncated end 48 avoids unnecessary friction on the rod 34.
  • the sleeve 44 also contributes to a smooth and light "feel" which is desirable in a high quality fitting.
  • Drive member 22 extends into sleeve 44 from the top, and threaded end 36 of rod 34 extends into it from the bottom.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show tube 26 in greater detail.
  • a mounting bracket 50 projects transversely from it.
  • a screw 52 may be employed to attach tube 26 to a structural part 54 of faucet 12.
  • Tube 26 is typically made of brass and is finished to present an attractive appearance at its upper, visible end.
  • Another point of friction contact is between the widest part of bulbous portion 40 and the interior of tube 26.
  • a final point of contact is between end 36 of flexible rod 34 the truncated end 48 of sleeve 44.
  • the balance of the length of flexible rod 34 is separated from or only lightly touch the interior of tube 26.
  • FIGS. 7 through 9 show alternate embodiments of flexible rod 34 which may be used in tube 26.
  • FIG. 7 shows a thinner flexible rod 56 which at its end 38 has a bulbous portion 58 which culminates in a cylindrical portion 60, rather than being generally convex as in bulbous portion 40 of rod 34.
  • flexible rod 56 has a correspondingly shaped, but smaller (so as to slide within sleeve 44), bulbous portion 62 adjacent its other end 36.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 show a flexible rod 64 which lack bulbous ends but has a wider and lobed cross-sectional shape 66.
  • the peaks 68 of the lobes are designed to be in slidable contact with the interior of tube 26.
  • the valleys 70 between peaks 68 are spaced apart from the interior of tube 26 in order to reduce friction.
  • Other cross-sectional shapes which provide a sliding portion and a spaced apart portion may be used as well.
  • the invention provides a remotely activated drain operating mechanism that operates along a non-linear path and yet permits an operation and feel which is as smooth and light as that of a straight line rod mechanism.
  • the visible part of drive member 22 is protected from abrasive surface damage. Accordingly, the mechanism is suitable for use in a very high quality and attractive plumbing fixture.
  • tube 26 might be widened in the area of bend 32 in order to reduce friction at the bend.
  • the invention is not to be limited by the specific description above, but should be judged by the claims which follow.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Sink And Installation For Waste Water (AREA)
US08/018,651 1993-02-17 1993-02-17 Apparatus for opening and closing a drain Expired - Lifetime US5333327A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/018,651 US5333327A (en) 1993-02-17 1993-02-17 Apparatus for opening and closing a drain
CA002115784A CA2115784C (en) 1993-02-17 1994-02-16 Apparatus for opening and closing a drain
MX9401230A MX9401230A (es) 1993-02-17 1994-02-17 Aparato para abrir y cerrar un desague.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/018,651 US5333327A (en) 1993-02-17 1993-02-17 Apparatus for opening and closing a drain

Publications (1)

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US5333327A true US5333327A (en) 1994-08-02

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US08/018,651 Expired - Lifetime US5333327A (en) 1993-02-17 1993-02-17 Apparatus for opening and closing a drain

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US5333327A (es)
CA (1) CA2115784C (es)
MX (1) MX9401230A (es)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5603025A (en) * 1994-07-29 1997-02-11 Borland International, Inc. Methods for hypertext reporting in a relational database management system
US20050040285A1 (en) * 2003-08-15 2005-02-24 Parrott David G. Safety device trigger
US20060179564A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Jacobs Barry H Drain assembly for rapid installation in sanitary vessels
US20080178382A1 (en) * 2007-01-31 2008-07-31 Pinette Thomas C Pop-up drain
US20090139025A1 (en) * 2007-11-30 2009-06-04 John David Vogel Coupling for a faucet lift rod
US9060656B2 (en) 2010-06-18 2015-06-23 Henry Tong Drain stopper assembly
US9303391B2 (en) 2010-09-16 2016-04-05 Kohler Co. Faucet mount assembly
US9427114B2 (en) 2011-06-16 2016-08-30 Henry Tong Magnetic drain stopper assembly and method

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1035849A (en) * 1911-07-31 1912-08-20 Carleton L Terry Pop-up waste-valve.
US1544088A (en) * 1924-01-08 1925-06-30 Dearborn Brass Company Waste-valve-controlling device
US1939766A (en) * 1930-11-18 1933-12-19 Corset Lucien Alfred Maurice Transmission device
US1974419A (en) * 1932-11-22 1934-09-25 Jr Edward S Cornell Stop and discharge valve
US1984950A (en) * 1934-01-04 1934-12-18 Chieago Faucet Company Waste apparatus
US2063399A (en) * 1936-05-21 1936-12-08 Floyd H Rasmussen Waste and overflow for bathtubs and basins
US2313554A (en) * 1940-01-18 1943-03-09 Motor Wheel Corp Fuel control for oil burners
US3080570A (en) * 1958-04-28 1963-03-12 Jr Albert H Weddendorf Single lever faucet incorporating tiltable valves
US3099019A (en) * 1962-03-23 1963-07-30 American Radiator & Standard Drain plug mechanism
US4188835A (en) * 1974-09-19 1980-02-19 Teleflex Incorporated Motion transmitting remote control assembly
EP0147648A1 (de) * 1983-12-15 1985-07-10 BBC Aktiengesellschaft Brown, Boveri & Cie. Vorrichtung zur Inspektion und Wartung von Rohren mit kleinen Krümmungsradien
US4596057A (en) * 1984-01-31 1986-06-24 Ikumi Ohta Draining plug device
US5222487A (en) * 1988-09-30 1993-06-29 Smiths Industries Medical Systems, Inc. Hinged tracheostomy tube obturator

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1035849A (en) * 1911-07-31 1912-08-20 Carleton L Terry Pop-up waste-valve.
US1544088A (en) * 1924-01-08 1925-06-30 Dearborn Brass Company Waste-valve-controlling device
US1939766A (en) * 1930-11-18 1933-12-19 Corset Lucien Alfred Maurice Transmission device
US1974419A (en) * 1932-11-22 1934-09-25 Jr Edward S Cornell Stop and discharge valve
US1984950A (en) * 1934-01-04 1934-12-18 Chieago Faucet Company Waste apparatus
US2063399A (en) * 1936-05-21 1936-12-08 Floyd H Rasmussen Waste and overflow for bathtubs and basins
US2313554A (en) * 1940-01-18 1943-03-09 Motor Wheel Corp Fuel control for oil burners
US3080570A (en) * 1958-04-28 1963-03-12 Jr Albert H Weddendorf Single lever faucet incorporating tiltable valves
US3099019A (en) * 1962-03-23 1963-07-30 American Radiator & Standard Drain plug mechanism
US4188835A (en) * 1974-09-19 1980-02-19 Teleflex Incorporated Motion transmitting remote control assembly
EP0147648A1 (de) * 1983-12-15 1985-07-10 BBC Aktiengesellschaft Brown, Boveri & Cie. Vorrichtung zur Inspektion und Wartung von Rohren mit kleinen Krümmungsradien
US4596057A (en) * 1984-01-31 1986-06-24 Ikumi Ohta Draining plug device
US5222487A (en) * 1988-09-30 1993-06-29 Smiths Industries Medical Systems, Inc. Hinged tracheostomy tube obturator

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5603025A (en) * 1994-07-29 1997-02-11 Borland International, Inc. Methods for hypertext reporting in a relational database management system
US20050040285A1 (en) * 2003-08-15 2005-02-24 Parrott David G. Safety device trigger
US7207522B2 (en) 2003-08-15 2007-04-24 Apical Industries, Inc. Safety device trigger for activating a safety device
US20060179564A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Jacobs Barry H Drain assembly for rapid installation in sanitary vessels
EP1707695A2 (en) 2005-02-11 2006-10-04 American Standard International Inc. Improved drain assembly for rapid installation in sanitary vessels
US7886372B2 (en) 2005-02-11 2011-02-15 As Ip Holdco, L.L.C. Drain assembly for rapid installation in sanitary vessels
US20080178382A1 (en) * 2007-01-31 2008-07-31 Pinette Thomas C Pop-up drain
US20090139025A1 (en) * 2007-11-30 2009-06-04 John David Vogel Coupling for a faucet lift rod
US8407829B2 (en) * 2007-11-30 2013-04-02 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Coupling for a faucet lift rod
US9060656B2 (en) 2010-06-18 2015-06-23 Henry Tong Drain stopper assembly
US9303391B2 (en) 2010-09-16 2016-04-05 Kohler Co. Faucet mount assembly
US9427114B2 (en) 2011-06-16 2016-08-30 Henry Tong Magnetic drain stopper assembly and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX9401230A (es) 1994-08-31
CA2115784C (en) 1996-01-02
CA2115784A1 (en) 1994-08-18

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